THREE DAYS IN
Venice, Italy
The last stop on my two-week Central Europe adventure: Venice. This city had been on my bucket list ever since I was little, listening to my mum’s stories about the romantic canals, the pasta, and the magic of getting lost among bridges and cobbled streets. Finally, I was here.
We arrived in the late afternoon and wasted no time — first stop: gelato. Next, we wandered through the narrow alleys until we found ourselves at the Ponte di Rialto. From there, we made our way to the grand Piazza San Marco, buzzing with tourists, pigeons, and golden hour light.
That night, we shared our final dinner together as a travel group. One of our friends was serenaded by a local accordion player (much to his embarrassment), which had us all in stitches. We ate pasta and shared our favourite memories from the tour. Mine? Kayaking down the river in Český Krumlov, and meeting so many kind, beautiful souls who became fast friends.
The next morning, a few of us explored the fishermen’s market — the atmosphere was rich with the smell of fresh produce and salty air. Then came more emotional moments: saying goodbye to Claire, then Ava, and finally Kayla. Friends from the tour, who were continuing their travels solo. Now, they are some of my closest friends – it’s hard to believe how much of an impact spending a few weeks traveling together can make.
That afternoon, some of us caught a ferry to Murano, the island famous for its glassmaking. We watched a glassblower spin molten magic into form, and I treated myself to a stunning ring with a delicate glass-blown centre — a tangible piece of Venice to take home with me.
The following day brought a different kind of peace. We visited San Michele, the cemetery island. The silence there felt sacred. Tall cypress trees swayed gently as we wandered through the marble pathways, taking in the calm beauty.
Back on the Venetian mainland, the skies opened up just as we were on our way to grab pasta. Drenched but laughing, we ducked under the awning of a cosy restaurant and ate our weight in carbs while the rain poured around us.
Later, we caught up with more friends for lunch before wandering into Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna Ca’ Pesaro. The rain continued outside, but inside, we were wrapped in creativity and warmth.
That night, we stayed in, watching the rain fall over the canals one last time. Venice was the perfect finale — romantic, chaotic, beautiful — a city that feels like it exists in a dream, or maybe a memory.
